Some of my favourite camping spots are really close (200-500m) to a launching site, but I have found a fully laden TI to be a killer on my back. So, I designed a simple jockey wheel that I sit under the mast step. This allows me to easily pull the TI to the launching site without straining my back. Yes it's only suitable for hard surfaces (or firm sand).

You're so right about not letting go! Thankfully most of the ramps I use have a fairly gentle slope otherwise I couldn't pull the TI up the ramp after a long sail! (Hmm, but what will I do if I do find a steep ramp?) Electric winch???

Somewhere in the distant past I do remember saying to my wife that I wouldn't need to spend any money on the TI after purchasing it, but adding mods is just so much fun!

NicThat is excellent!! I will show this to my mate who came up with something similar a year or so ago using a trailer jockey wheel. He is not entirely happy with it because the bearings are failing due to salt water submersion.Your approach looks like it may solve this issue.I also think your solution is MUCH more practical & economical than the huge Hobie TI Dolly Cart that I have.The TI is a real hernia creator without something more than a scupper cart!Particularly in sand! I originally ordered the heavy duty foam filled wheels and cart. However i am reluctant to use it because it s only joined together by silver solder little wonder that these carts have fallen apart! The other issue of concern is the enormous stress on the scupper holes using this type of cart with a fully assembled and loaded TI, dragging it across sand or mud : Great work - thanks for sharing. Make sure you contact me ( & the local " gang" if you ever come over to our pond and we'll look after you and share lur local knowledge

Very nice work Rob! It would certainly make wheeling the TI when the cart is in the rear scuppers a lot easier.You know maybe you could name your TI the "Reliant" or "Robin"!

mickeymouse wrote:

However i am reluctant to use it because it s only joined together by silver solder little wonder that these carts have fallen apart!

Mickey are you sure it's just silver solder? I've had 3 Trax carts and they've all been welded stainless. Mind you the welds are pretty poor and have needed re-welding over time.

Stringy - i don't profess to be an expert on this, but one of my mates was a car motor body builder (made hearses & stretch limos) & has 2 AIs. He told me that's all it is I am only referring to the HD cart with the foam filled tyres. It looks much worse than the other carts as it clearly has just a few spot soldered joints..

Our dealer is South Australia has the carts fully MIG/TIG welded with stainless rod before selling. Im sure that is from experience.Just a pity I put holes in the scuppers and had to weld them closed. Anyone in SA looking for a Hobie cart with foam filled tyres?

I purchased the wheel from a specialist wheel supplier in Adelaide. However, upon further research, I think the wheel was initially intended for a wheelchair. I'm not sure if the wheel bearings are stainless steel, hence I have limited saltwater immersion.

I have also added extra lateral bracing to my original design as I found the hull supports not strong enough. Apart from the wheel, all materials can be obtained from a hardware store.

Unfortunately the castor does not have any branding, but it appears to be cast aluminium. The tyre itself is a pneumatic tyre 200mm * 50mm, by Cheng Shin. Fits standard rim 27.5 * 93mm.

I scanned the catalogue from the company that I purchased the wheel & castor from, but they don't appear to be selling it anymore.

The carpet is an off-cut of marine carpet & was glued on using Marine Black Silicon. (However, any fine carpet will do.) The webbing was riveted on, then the carpet glued over the top. I also sealed all joints with the silicon to help reduce the chance of corrosion between the joints. (Note: Do not use Clear 'household' silicon on aluminium as it is corrosive).